Nail polish color selection system

ABSTRACT

A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.

CLAIM OF BENEFIT OF FILING DATE

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/193,916, filed Mar. 31, 2000, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of cosmetics colorselection, more to particularly to customer interactive nail polishcolor selection systems, and still more particularly to color selectionsystems having an actual or virtual point of sale nail polish colorselection system including a polish dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically the cosmetics industry has afforded consumers a broadvariety of choices for colors (including tones, shades or hues) andeffects. In the typical scenario, these products are pre-packagedaccording to a predetermined fixed amount of different colors oreffects. The products are then ordinarily displayed to reveal a spectrumof a fixed number of colors. However, because of manufacturing and otherpractical limitations, point of sale displays only afford a finitenumber of selections for the consumer. Consequently, the consumer'schoice of color will be limited by present availability or supply of aparticular color choice, and also particularly by the specific colorschosen for sale in advance by the manufacturer. The consumer is affordedno practical opportunity to custom blend a color selection.

This has become a particularly acute issue in the field of nailpolishes, where point of sale displays typically offer a finiteselection of colors, and most often, confined to a range of white to redto black. Thus, for instance, a manufacturer may offer 48 differentcolors at a point of sale display. Moreover, the nail polishes areoffered as previously dispensed and packaged items, some of which arefurther sealed in additional protective packaging. For sake ofdiscussion, assume a number is assigned to each of the 48 differentcolors (e.g., 1 for white, 24 for primary red, 48 for black, and theremaining integers from 1-48 to correspond to the intermediate shades ortones). A consumer may desire to purchase the color corresponding to thenumber 21. If the point of sale display does not have a stock of thatnumber, the consumer is faced with selecting a second choice. Likewise,the consumer might like numbers 27 and 28, but would prefer a mixture ofthe two (e.g. what would thus correspond to a number 27.5), the consumerwill be also prevented from purchasing her first choice of colors.

In recent years, it has also become popular to modify the ultimatevisual appearance of a manicure by the addition of effects over some orall of a nail, such as a metallic effect, sparkles, shapes (e.g.,hearts, stars, etc.), texture or the like.

Frequently, these must be purchased and applied separately from anunderlying base coat. Once again, the consumer is faced with a finiteselection and will be limited in choice by availability at the point ofsale.

In view of the foregoing, a need has developed for a custom cosmeticcolor selection system, pursuant to which a consumer or other customer(such as an intermediate retailer or wholesaler) can interact with thesupplier to select a specific color, effect or both, to blend theresulting cosmetic product at or near the time of selection (e.g. onsite at a point of sale location, or remotely such as by mail order,phone order or Internet purchase).

Of potential interest to this application are U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,407(Galazin); U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,112 (Flynn et al.); U.S. Pat. No.5,924,426 (Galazin); U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,809 (Meehan); U.S. Pat. No.5,797,750 (Gouriou et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,901 (Abrahamian); U.S.Pat. No. 5,717,750 (Gouriou et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,341 (Hirsch etal.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,693 (Gunderman et al.); U.S. Pat. No.5,562,109 (Tobiason); U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,238 (Gourtou et al.); U.S.Pat. No. 5,313,267 (MacFarlane et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,293(MacFarlane et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,850 (Fabbri et al.); U.S. Pat.No. 4,160,271 (Grayson et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 2,417,677 (Cohan); andU.S. Pat. No. 2,393,371 (Harris), hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the foregoing need by providing a system,particularly one employed at a point of sale, for the custom selection,design, blending, mixing and/or packaging of a cosmetic, and moreparticularly a liquid cosmetic color, effect or both, and still moreparticularly a nail polish color, effect or both. The present inventionincludes one or a combination of components that facilitate acustomer-interactive process of custom cosmetic selection. Thoughapplicable to the selection and preparation of cosmetics other than nailpolish (such as, lip gloss, eye gel, cheek gel, creams, lotions,perfumes or the like), the present invention is illustrated by referenceto one example of a system for customizing a nail polish selection.

Pursuant to such example, the system includes a nail polish dispenserthat contains a plurality of different shades, tints or hues of colorsor pigments, which can be dispensed in preselected proportions to createa custom color selection. Preferably, an interactive computer system isin controlling communication with the dispenser, although the dispensermay be operated manually. Such computer allows the customer to customchoose a color and/or effect, information about which will becommunicated to the dispenser, which then dispenses the appropriateproportions of the ingredients pursuant to information about the colorchoice stored in a data base or otherwise programmed. In anotherembodiment, the system includes a remote communications system, wherebya user can communicate, such as via the Internet, with the computercontrolling the nail polish dispensing system and select and purchase acustom nail polish for custom dispensing and delivery to the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of one illustrative example of a system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of another illustrative example of a system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a nozzle system.

FIG. 4 is a view of one exemplary nozzle arrangement.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of one example of a system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another example of a system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of yet another example of a system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8A-8D are illustrative examples of alternative fluid chambers.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative example of a modular system of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed to a unique system for customformulating liquid cosmetic compositions, and is illustrated byreference to an exemplary system for custom formulating nail polish.Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the system10 includes a nail polish dispenser 12 that contains a finite pluralityof different shades, tints or hues of colors or pigments, which can bedispensed in preselected proportions to create a custom color selection,and optionally a color selection from a virtually infinite range ofcolors. The dispenser 12 preferably has a fixed number of chambers 14for holding each of the different shades, tints, or hues of colors orpigments. The chambers 14 have an outlet with a nozzle 16 as shown.Alternatively, the chambers 14 may dispense to a common chamber to allof the chambers 14, which in turn dispense to an external receptacle forreceiving a nail polish. Though the dispenser may be operable manually,preferably it is automated or controlled by a computer, such as computer18 shown in controlling communication with the dispenser. Of course, itis also possible that the computer provides information to a separatecontroller, which then controls dispensing of liquids. For instance,color selection or other transaction-related information may be enteredinto a computer (e.g. using the keyboard or mouse shown or alternativelyusing a touch screen monitor, bar code scanner, or other input device)by a computer operator or user of the system, which may be the consumer,a technician, or other user.

The dispenser configuration may vary as desired. In one embodiment (notshown), the dispenser contains one or more translatable (e.g., manuallyor via a suitable motor, such as a stepper motor adapted for linear orrotational motion, or a combination thereof) nozzles that will dispensethe different materials in the respective chambers into one or morereceptacles 20 fixed in a single location. Alternatively, the receptaclemay be placed on a platform or other mounting stage 22, which itself istranslatable (e.g., manually or via a suitable motor, such as a steppermotor adapted for linear or rotational motion, or a combinationthereof).

The platform or stage may also include a vibrator or shaker to assureuniform mixing and dispersion of the ingredients. A vibrator or shakermay be employed independent of the platform or stage. Such vibratorshaker or other mixer will typically have a motor that reciprocallydrives a member for holding a receptable containing the ingredients tobe mixed. Examples of such auxiliary components are disclosed, forinstance, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,906,433 and 5,507,575, hereby incorporatedby reference.

The dispenser of the present invention may employ technology of the typecommonly encountered in paint color custom dispensing systems, such asthose employed in hardware stores for dispensing pigment into a basepaint to custom tailor the paint color. In this regard, it is possiblethat one or more different base nail polish colors may be employed intowhich suitable proportions of different tones, shades or hues of colorsmay be introduced, as common in on-site paint color selection and mixingsystems. Implicit in this, of course, is that a plurality of colors canbe mixed into a clear base or into a common solvent. The dispenser is,of course, modified to take into account the particular needs of a nailpolish dispensing system, such as the incorporation of a suitable nozzlesystem and optionally a nozzle cleaning system, as discussed furtherherein. Examples of other instruments suitable for this applicationmight employ technology such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,705,083 (Rosetti), U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,421 (Mazzalveri), U.S. Pat. No.6,056,158 (Rosetti et al.) and International Application No. WO99/34905, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

The computer employed in the system of the present invention preferablyhas a database stored in its memory or is otherwise programmed such thatthe entry of a particular color selection into the computer willretrieve information about the specific proportions of shades, tints orhues necessary for dispensing to achieve the ultimate desired color(e.g., the specific recipe associated with the color). The computer mayalso be equipped with a suitable mathematical integration feature suchthat, where a color selected finds no exact formula or recipe match, thecomputer will calculate the formula or recipe by reference to dataassociated with nearby colors. To illustrate, by reference to theexample provided in the Background section, suppose that a user desiresa shade of 26.74, but the data base of the computer only offers data tothe shade of 26.7 or 26.8, the computer will calculate the relativechanges to the formula that will be necessary to achieve a value of26.74.

The computer 18 is capable of outputting the data associated with thecolor choice to a suitable controller associated with either the nailpolish dispenser, the computer itself, or both, which will then dispensethe appropriate predetermined proportion of the recipe or formulaingredients into the receptacle 20. The computer 18 will have likecapabilities for dispensing preselected nail effects (which may bedispensed from a dispenser associated with the nail polish dispenser ora separate dispenser).

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a personalviewing station 24 that simulates or provides virtual feedback to a userabout how a particular color or effect selection will look on thatparticular user. For instance, the system includes a camera 26 or othervisual information input or gathering device (e.g., a video recorder),preferably a digital device, which captures an image of the user andtransport information about that image to a computer or directly to avideo monitor 28 or viewing screen for display. A computer (whichpreferably but need not be the computer for color selection) isconnected to the monitor or screen.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the computer has software thatcan locate generally the location of the users nails (such as byscanning a region for a pattern of color or tone changes commonlyassociated with nails, whether coated or not). Upon isolating thelocation of the nails, the computer delivers information to the regionscorresponding to the nail locations about the specific color choicesselected by the user. Thus, a user can view his or her hand or foot onthe screen with a color choice superimposed on it. In one embodiment thesuperimposed image is generated while the user's hand or foot is in theviewer of the visual information input device, and the user obtains realtime information about color choice (e.g. a hand could be placed in theview of a camera and simultaneously the nail locations are detected andvirtually applied to the image of the nails on the monitor, whereby theuser can move the hand and the images on the monitor will simultaneouslyrespond to such movement). In another embodiment, the user will have animage taken of the hand or foot and the image will be fixed and storedin memory so that the user need may have free use of that body partwhile experimenting with different color choices.

Of course, the user need not confine use of the viewing station to thatof images of the user's body part. The computer may be programmed tostore images of body parts of other persons (e.g., professional models),or body parts other than hands or feet (e.g., lips, facial features orother body parts). Moreover, the computer may include photo modificationor morphing features so that users can experiment with differentcreative ideas, or with images of jewelry, gloves, sandals or othershoes, tattoos, body piercings or the like which can be superimposedonto the body part displayed. Of course the computer is also suitablyprogrammed with basic functions such as menus of color schemes, effects,as well as color charts, color chips or the like.

In one embodiment, a user can match a color with a preexisting desiredcolor. For instance, one preferred approach to color matching is toemploy a spectrophotometer, and particularly, a portable one such asthat commercially available from GretagMacbeth (e.g., SPECTROLINO™),X-Rite, Inc., Datacolor (e.g., MICROFLASH®SPECTROPHOTOMETERS). Withoutlimitation, other examples of spectrophotometers include those describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,488 (Berg et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,536(Baker), both hereby incorporated by reference. Other suitable colormatching techniques are possible as well, such as those addressed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,668,633 (Cheetam et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,017(Cheetam et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,421 (Cheetam et al.), allhereby incorporated by reference. Any such spectrophotometer can beintegrated into an overall apparatus or portably removable.

In another aspect of the present invention, such as shown by FIG. 2(which includes like reference numerals to correspond to like parts asin FIG. 1), the color selection is done using a remote communicationsystem 30, such as by mail order, phone order or preferably via theinternet. Thus, the point of purchase will be remote from the point ofdispensing. In this embodiment, for example an Internet web site ismaintained which permits a user such as a remote user to select cosmeticcolor or effect, view the colors chosen either on a pallet or virtualmannequin, for instance, place orders for the specific color and/oreffect chosen, and pay for such order. The user could also transmit animage of the user's body part to the web site, which then permits apersonal virtual viewing, such as described previously. The web siteincludes a page that offers the user a choice of custom blending acosmetic or ordering from stock, with appropriate links to suchrespective pages. The page includes a link to an order or checkout page,which optionally may be associated with all other pages. Preferably auser that elects to link to a color selection page is then offeredchoices of linking to particular different cosmetic types.

Of course, the skilled artisan will appreciate that direct or indirectlinks between all pages of the web site may be made available to theuser (with or without appropriate security measures; moreover, all oronly some of the pages may be linked to the home page or to any otherpreselected page, such as a site map page). One page offers the user atleast one spectrum (either continuous or not) of color or choices. Theuser is able to navigate a cursor to any location in the spectrum tochoose a color that the user desires to view (this feature may also beemployed with on site, point of sale computers, either with or withouttangible pallets or color or effects chips).

Upon selecting a color, the user advances to a page or another locationon the same page to view the color or effect independent of other colorsor effects, or optionally in side by side or like adjacent comparisonrelative to other colors or effects. Once the user selects a color oreffect, the user is provided the option of further shopping or immediatecheck out. Upon checking out the information (e.g., formula) about theuser's color and effect choice is communicated to a dispenser of thetype discussed previously, where the Information is fed to a controllerand the user's choice is dispensed packaged and provided to the user(e.g., by shipping to the user).

The web site (as with the other system where sales may not occurremotely from dispensing) will allow users to store profiles aboutthemselves. For instance, a user will be able to store favorite color oreffect choices, historical information about the user, and otherbiographical information about the user. Optionally, the website isadapted to permit the user to set up an account with ship-to, bill-to,credit card, and/or preferred shipping method information, which isretrievable, such via a password entry in later visits, and used forexpedited check-out, as is common in conventional one-click internetshopping routines. The web site may also feature an advisory page, wherespecific information about the person is provided, and based thereon, acomputer program will provide the user with recommended selections. Theweb site will feature suitable security precautions to allow users totrust the confidentiality of the transaction and credit cardinformation. The web site may also afford business to businessaccommodations, so that packagers, retailers, wholesalers or otherintermediate vendors can custom order individual or lots of products fordelivery to a desired location. The skilled artist should be acquaintedwith various existing techniques for retail networking architecture andoperation, which permit the placement and processing of a purchaseorder, examples of which are disclosed without limitation in U.S. Pat.No. 5,960,411 (Hartman et al.; “one click” shopping); U.S. Pat. No.5,715,314 (Payne et al.; sales and payment transactions); U.S. Pat. No.5,724,424 (sales and payment transactions); all of the teachings ofwhich are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

In one embodiment, payment is made through a debit system. For instance,purchasers can buy prepaid debit or “smart cards” cards in a desiredamount, either at a retail outlet or remote (e.g., over the Internet),or in the like manner, they can pay in a certain amount into an accountand draw on that amount. Cash and credit card transactions are alsocontemplated.

Whether obtained through the web site or elsewhere, in one embodiment,it is contemplated that information about purchaser preferences can becompiled in a database, e.g., for real time analysis. Thereafter, thedata is queried or otherwise analyzed for evaluating demographiccorrelations, as well as consumer color preference data. In this manner,for instance, the information would provide valuable assistance toretailers and manufacturers (particularly those who do not employ pointof sale color selection), who would rely upon such information to makedecisions concerning the quantities of inventory of a color or effect tostock or manufacture. To illustrate, without limitation, data polledfrom the point of sale system of the present invention in the southweststates of the United States might indicate that the three most popularshades of color in that region are 26.17, 27.28 and 27.48, with 78% ofconsumer sales having preferred those colors. Faced with a limitednumber of shades that the typical conventional manufacturer or vendorhas imposed for its inventory, the most popular can be selected usingthe above data so that the likelihood of excess inventory is reduced. Inthis regard, data collected may also be employed in determiningrecipients of product sample distribution, delivery of coupons and thelike, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,362 (Maggard et al.),U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,868 (Off et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,322(Deaton et al.), hereby incorporated by reference.

In another aspect of the present invention, an improved method ofselling cosmetics and specifically nail polish is provided. The methodpreferably is practiced at the point of sale to a customer, and morepreferably a retail customer. The method includes the basic steps ofoffering a customer or other user choices of colors and effects, whichoptionally exceed in amount the number of choices available fromconventional over the counter cosmetic sales displays; optionally,permitting the user to view an image of themselves or another with thenail polish virtually affixed to the nails of such person; providing aformula or recipe to a nail polish dispensing device associated with thespecific color or effect chosen by the user, and dispensing the specificcolor or effect chosen. The methods may also include additional steps asdisclosed elsewhere in this discussion.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the method further includesusing the same dispensing apparatus but repeating the above basic stepsfor a different selection. Thus, a first user selects a first nailpolish formulation for dispensing, and thereafter a second user selectsa second nail polish for dispensing. The dispensing apparatus may beconfigured to dispense the first formulation selection while the secondselection is made, prior thereto, or subsequently thereafter, so thatthe same apparatus is used consecutively for different formulations.

The specific nail polishes employed may be conventional nail polishcompositions or may be water based compositions. The nail polishes mayinclude any of a variety of modifying agents such as conventionalthickeners, thinners, drying agents, adhesion modifiers or the like. Thenail polish may also include a preselected fragrance. The nail polishesmay be temporary in nature or may wear for several days or longer. Theindividual respective nail polish compositions prepared according to thepresent invention may be formulated from a common base composition, orfrom a mixture of different materials, i.e., where the common basecomposition is clear (e.g., a solvent).

Turning in more detail to one of the preferred aspects of the presentinvention, an improved nozzle system is provided that may be used incombination with conventional fluid dispensing machines, such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,083 (Rosetti), U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,421(Mazzalveri), U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,158 (Rosetti et al.) and InternationalApplication No. WO 99/34905, the disclosures of which are incorporatedby reference. The improved nozzle system is particularly attractive fordispensing nail polish materials, which pose unique challenges to fluiddispensing, in view of their relatively high viscosities and the need tobe able to reproducibly dispense the fluid into a small diameter packageopening (e.g., into a nail polish bottle).

Accordingly, a nozzle is configured for receiving a fluid from a conduitand dispensing it into a receptacle such as a nail polish bottle. Thenozzle is adapted at one portion for receiving a fluid supply, e.g.,fluid supplied through a supply system including a supply line networkand a fluid delivery mechanism for transporting fluid from a supplysource (e.g., chamber). Another portion of the nozzle system isconfigured for defining a nozzle tip configuration, through which fluidpasses upon exiting the fluid dispensing system.

The nozzle tip configuration may be one that includes a plurality ofindividual nozzle tips, each preferably associated with a differentsupply (although a common supply for some or all of the tips is alsopossible), which converges to a single exit orifice. More preferably,the nozzle tip configuration includes a plurality of nozzle tips thatconverge to a relatively small region, (e.g., less than about 4 squarecentimeters, more preferably less than about 2 square centimeters, andstill more preferably less than about 1 square centimeter) to enable thesequential or parallel supply of one or more streams of fluidingredients into a relatively small opening (e.g., on the order of adiameter or like dimension less than about 25 mm, and more preferablyless than about 15 mm, and still more preferably less than about 10 mm),such as that found in the opening of a nail polish bottle, which thoughlarger sizes are possible, preferably range in size per color selectionof up to about 100 ml and more preferably about 9 to about 45 ml, andstill more preferably about 20 to about 40 ml. Small volume single usebottles are also possible, as are plural chamber bottles for storingmultiple formulations.

It will be appreciated that the dispensing system of the presentinvention is capable of dispensing ingredients in microfluidic amounts,e.g., as low as on the order of about 0.01 to about 0.4 microliters. Inone embodiment this is made possible by the use of a suitable micropump,or microfluidic device, such as pump by a chip etched with microfluidchannels. Ink jet dispensing systems can also be employed.

Referring by way of example to FIG. 3, one illustrative nozzle 32 isshown as including a supply inlet portion 34 and a nozzle tip exitportion 36. The nozzle tip exit portion 36 includes a plurality ofclustered nozzle tips 38. The nozzle tips 38 are clustered relative toeach other in any suitable manner. Though depicted in a circularformation in FIG. 4, other suitable arrangements may be used, such ashelical, braided, in-line, in a “v” configuration, stacked or the like.

Preferably, in the region immediately adjacent each exit orifice, thenozzle tips 38 are curved, angled or otherwise disposed so that thenozzle tips 38 converge toward a common dispensing region 40. Forinstance, FIG. 3 shows one preferred embodiment employing relativelystraight nozzles tips 38; with the nozzle tips 38 being axially angledfrom between about 5 and 85 degrees from a vertical centerline 42 of thenozzle arrangement. In a more preferred nozzle embodiment, the nozzletips are axially angled from between about 20 and about 50 degrees ofthe vertical centerline of the nozzle arrangement. In a most preferrednozzle embodiment, the arrangement of nozzles is angled at about 30degrees of the vertical centerline. In yet another embodiment, it ispossible that the nozzle tip is bent to have an axis that is offsetrelative to the axis of the immediately upstream nozzle tip 38 portion.

The nozzle tips 38 may be continuous with or separable from the supplynetwork to which they are connected. The nozzle tips 38 may be plastic,glass, stainless steel or some other suitable material. The material maybe further treated to improve its fluid transport properties. Forinstance, it is foreseeable that one or more nozzle tips 38 may bemodified to enhance the fluid flow properties at the nozzle tip exitorifice 44. For example, the tip might be coated with a hydrophobicmaterial, such as PTFE (e.g., Teflon®). Optionally, art-disclosedstructures for concentrating fluid flows, e.g., to a predetermined pointor region, may be utilized in association with the nozzle tips 38. Shownin FIGS. 3 and 4, the nozzle tips 38 are individual tubular structuresassembled to a common manifold 46. In another embodiment, one or moreunitary members (e.g., blocks), might be bored out such as by micromachining, to provide a microfluidic type fluid distribution network,which obviates the need for individual tubes. In yet another embodiment,the tubes are placed in and held by the walls of the unitary membersdefining the bores. The diameter of the nozzle tips 38 may vary in shapeor size along its length, e.g., by constricting or expanding, or it maybe constant shape, size or both.

Though other structures (e.g., circular) are possible for the exitorifice, in one embodiment, the nozzle tip exit orifice 44 is elongated,as defined by a sloping tip wall 48 in FIG. 3. The preferred slope mayrange from about 10 to about 80 degrees. More preferably it is about 30to about 60 degrees. Still more preferably it is about 45 degrees.

Referring also to FIG. 5, one or a plurality of supply lines may be usedto transfer fluid from a source such as a supply container 60 (whichmight be integrally associated with the supply line) to the nozzle tip38. Valves, joints, flow meters, filters, connectors, and the like maybe employed along any such line as desired. Nozzle tips 38 optionallymay be integrally formed on the supply lines. One supply line might feedto one or a plurality of nozzle tips 38. Alternatively, a plurality ofsupply lines might feed a plurality of nozzle tips or a single nozzletip 38. The supply lines may be arranged for sequential fluiddistribution, for parallel distribution or a combination thereof.Additionally, it may be possible to vary the size, shape, length,diameter, cross sectional area, or material at one or multiple points orthroughout the supply line.

Fluids are delivered through the supply lines through the use of anysuitable delivery mechanism, such as a pump. The pump is driven by anysuitable means, such as a motor, hydraulics, pneumatics, or the like.The nail polish dispensing system is thus provided with one or aplurality of delivery mechanisms to drive fluid from the one point of asupply line (e.g., from a fluid source container) to a second point(e.g. nozzle, valve or receptacle). One pump may be utilized to driveone or a plurality of lines. Alternatively, a plurality of pumps may beutilized the drive a plurality of lines or a single line. It will berecognized that any suitable servomechanical actuator may be employed.

In a preferred embodiment, a pump delivers fluid through a supply lineinto a suitable valve. Depending upon the switching state of the valve,the valve will then either permit passage to a nozzle tip or divertfluids back to a supply line, to a recirculation vessel or to some otherlocation. Referring to the schematic drawing represented in FIG. 5, anexample of such a nail polish dispensing system Is illustrated by withreference to only one exemplary fluid line. The nozzle 32 is positionedto be in close proximity to any desired fluid receptacle. The nozzle 32is connected to a supply line 50, which runs to a diverter valve 52.From the diverter valve 52, the supply line 50 is divided alternativedesired flow paths. For example, FIG. 5 shows a first supply line branch54 from a pump 56 and a second supply line branch 58 from a supplycontainer 60. As illustrated, the pump 56 is driven by a motor 62 in anysuitable location. A predetermined amount of nail polish ingredients aresupplied to a line. The motor 62 and the valve 52, in turn, arecontrolled by a suitable control, which receives input from the computerinterface from the user.

Upon selection of a desired nail polish composition, appropriate signalsare sent to the control unit 64. The control unit 64 directs the motorfor actuating the pump 56, which then drives the selected fluid in thedesired amount through at least a portion of the supply line 50. After apredetermined amount of time or fluid has passed, the control may signalfor the valve to close, thereby terminating flow to the nozzle tips 38.Fluid already in the lines upstream of the valve can be then redirected(possibly aided by the pump or another fluid delivery mechanism) by thevalve into the second supply line branch for returning to a supplycontainer. In a preferred embodiment, the control of the valve is basedupon flow amounts per unit time. Optionally the controller isprogrammable to take into account any desired changes to conduit size,shape or material, the viscosity of the fluid, the operatingtemperature, and any desired variations to the motor or pump. Of course,other features may be employed in connection with the above, such as anart-disclosed waste collection system, an art-disclosed line purgingsystem, an art disclosed line cleaning system or the like. For instance,the supply lines may be suitably connected to a solvent supply that canpump solvent through the lines.

It should be appreciated that the materials dispensed will be to resultin a liquid cosmetic, but that some of the dispensed materials might befinely particulated solids. Thus, the present invention is not limitedonly to the use or dispensation of liquid ingredients. Use anddispensation of finely particulated solid ingredients are contemplatedas well.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown an alternative delivery systememploying a syringe dispensing mechanism 66. A syringe 68 includes acylinder 70 for receiving a plunger 72. Fluid is introduced into thecylinder and is driven through a nozzle tip by pressure applied to theplunger (e.g., from an actuator). Thus, the pump and motor of previousembodiments have been replaced or supplemented with a gas supply (e.g.an air or gas canister or compressor with suitable regulator) and asyringe configuration. Referring to FIG. 6, a supply line connects anozzle system 32 with one or a plurality of syringes. The syringes 68are configured with an exit port, from which fluid for dispensing canflow from the syringe cylinder towards the nozzle, and an intake port(e.g., located in an air cap or other suitable cylinder capping device)located upstream of the plunger for receiving a suitable driving gas foractuating the plunger. Alternatively, the plungers may be driven by anyother suitable mechanism, such as a motor. Pressure can be regulated asdesired by a controlled valve located between the gas supply 74 and thesyringe 68. Shown in FIG. 6, a suitable valve (e.g. an electronic valve76 controlled by an electronic control unit 64 in signalingcommunication with a computer) is located upstream of the syringe 68.Any suitable commercially available valve or syringe may be used, suchas available through SEMCO. In FIG. 7, the valve is located downstreamof the syringe 68. Each syringe may be controlled by its own electroniccontrol unit, a single unit can control a plurality of syringes, or asingle syringe can be controlled by a plurality of control units. Anysuitable controller may be used, such as available through MICROSCIENCES(Redondo Beach, Calif.).

For all of the above embodiments, the ingredients that are dispensinginto the system may be supplied in any suitable manner. For instance,the different ingredients can be supplied in separate containers, suchas tanks, canisters, ampules, cartridges, or the like. In oneembodiment, the containers are supplied as individual units. Forexample, a container containing a single color or effect ingredient ispackaged by itself and connected to the supply system individually. Inanother embodiment, the containers are supplied in a kit. For example,an assembly of containers, each containing a different color or effectingredient, is packaged together and connected to the supply system as aunit. In this regard, it is possible that ingredients are packaged in acontainer having an opening at a remote location and a removable cap orlid is applied over the opening at such location, and then removed atthe point of dispensing. Alternatively, the opening of the containermight be sealed with a removable or rupturable membrane. In this mannera supply line can be quickly connected to the container such as bypuncturing the membrane.

In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a supply line 50 might beequipped with a suitable fitting (e.g., a threaded sealing member 78, astopper 80 or the like) for releasable attachment to the supplycontainer 60. In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8C, a supplycontainer 60 is provided with its own individual supply line 82 that canbe matingly attached directly to the fluid delivery mechanism, to afitting 84 associated with another supply line, or the like. In theembodiment illustrated, the line might itself terminate in a frangibleor rupturable wall structure 86, for attachment to a mating component.In yet another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8D, a supply container 60 mayhave a membrane configured to rupture from a protruding finger 88associated with a member for receiving or holding the container 60 and asuitable applied force. Other structures are possible as well.

Thus, it is seen how the apparatus of the present invention can be keptstocked with desired inventory levels. As discussed previously, inconnection with the inventory control aspect of the present invention,as each respective container is installed into the fluid delivery systemof the present invention, the computer associated with the operation ofthe present invention may be suitably programmed to detect theinstallation and recalculate inventory amounts. Operators can be advisedof a reduction in inventory. In one aspect, the computer is specificallyprogrammed to notify the operator to order additional inventory. Inanother embodiment, the computer is specifically programmed to notify aremote subscriber of the system (e.g., over the internet), of thereduction in inventory, obviating the need for the on-site operator tomonitor inventory amounts.

Referring to FIG. 3, the nozzle system of the present invention mayoptionally include a moistener 90 for assisting the prevention ofclogging from dried nail polish at the nozzle tips. A preferredmoistener 90 includes a sealable receptable that is moveable between anopen and closed position. The receptacle defines a chamber for holding avolume of liquid, or for containing a porous substrate saturated with avolume of liquid for vaporizing a liquid at the nozzle tip.

A suitable solvent or liquid is placed in the receptacle, such as water,alcohol, ketones, petroleum distillates, paint thinners or the like.Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3, a material suitable of absorbing fluidsis placed within the chamber of the cup to enhance fluid retentionwithin the system. Some examples of absorptive materials are cloth felt,sponge, fiber material, batting, woven or unwoven fabric, chopped fiberand like materials. In a preferred embodiment, the absorptive materialis a porous substrate 92, which is maintained generally in a saturatedstate. The solvent or fluid may be poured into the receptacle and lateremptied in a batch type mode, periodically or continuously flowedthrough the receptacle, or a combination.

The receptable is preferably secured to a wall of the dispensing systemwith suitable linkage for permitting it to be moved relative to thenozzles. In a more preferred embodiment, a pivotal linkage (e.g., a bentarm pivotal linkage) system is employed for permitting rotational,vertical and horizontal translation of the receptable. In a mostpreferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 3 the suitable mechanism aspreviously stated would also have at least one biasing member (e.g. aspring 94) mounted to the linkage arms and to a fixed member such as thebody of the nail polish dispensing system. In this manner, the linkagemaintains the receptacle disposed at a predetermined distance from thewall 74, while allowing pivotal rotation. The spring biases the arms totheir normal rest position, e.g., for sealing the nozzle tip. In onepreferred embodiment, the bent arms are defined by spaced bars (e.g. a4-bar linkage 96).

An example of another suitable device that may be adapted for use in thepresent invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,641 (Mazzalveri).

As will be appreciated from the above discussion, the heretoforeunexpected elegant advantages of the present invention renders itsuitable for application in a number of different environments includingbut not limited to point of sale dispensing at nail or hair salons,spas, health clubs, country clubs, hotels, shopping malls, stripcenters, airport concourses, grocery stores, convenience stores,automated teller machines (in one aspect of the present invention, theuser may even debit an account in order to pay for the productpurchased), waiting rooms of automotive service shops or other servicecompanies, photo studios, night clubs, restaurants, coffee house,stadiums, flea markets, parks, street vending booths, gas stations, anddepartment stores ranging for mass-market stores to exclusive retailshops.

In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, for use at a site wherethe point of sale is the same as the point of dispensing, the system ofthe present invention is separated into two or more modular components(such as for use in a store or other more permanent site dedicated tothe sale of these products), and in another it is integrated into asingle pod 98 or kiosk (such for temporary sites, or use or operationwithin pre-existing businesses like a beauty salon, the corridor of ashopping mall, or within any of the businesses identified in theimmediate previous paragraph). For instance, the modular components mayinclude a delivery system 100 (e.g., dispensing device; which itself mayinclude transparent components, e.g., fluid chambers) illustrated ashaving at least a portion of its components confined within a housing102. The housing 102 preferably has openable panels 104 for allowingaccess to the interior and the enclosed components.

Preferably, the computer 18′ for operating the system resides in thehousing 102, though optionally it may reside additionally or instead ata remote location, e.g., for communication over the internet. Thecomputer is shown as the phantom box within the housing 102 in FIG. 9.However, one or more input devices provide a user interface with thecomputer, dispensing system or both. For instance, in FIG. 9, a firstinput device 106 enables a user to interact with the computer todetermine a custom formulation. The user can thus make acomputer-assisted formulation selection and input the information (e.g.,via a touch screen as shown or some other input device) to the computer.When input is complete the computer will signal an output device 108(e.g., a hot-stamp device, printer, bar code printer, or a suitablemagnetized or electronic encoded smart card for retrievably storingdata), which will generate a card or other printout containing suchinformation, which will exit the slot 110. The card may be paper,plastic or the like. In one embodiment it is generally credit-cardsized. In another embodiment it is a standard index card size. Theprintout thus preferably contains information about the user'sselection, including a formulation and optionally biographicalinformation, account or credit information (for enabling an immediate ordeferred transaction payment) or historical consumer information aboutthe user. The computer optionally will store information about a user'sselection, and correlate the same with a file created for the user andhaving a unique identifier, such as an account number, personalidentification number, password or the like. The printout, however,enables the user to carry such information away and preserve it forlater reference. Further, any of the first input devices may have adevice for reading information from the printout, so a user can presentsuch printout at a remote time and the reader reads it and retrievesinformation associated with the user from computer memory.

The user may be able to control operation of the dispensing devicedirectly from the first input device 106. As shown in FIG. 9, a secondinput device 112 is provided for inputting data obtained from theinformation entered into the first input device 106. The second inputdevice 112 (e.g., by manual entry to a touch screen, by a bar codereader, a card swiping device, or other suitable input device) takesinformation obtained from the first input device 106 (either as storedelectronically on the computer, as contained in the printout, or asprovided in the first instance from the user without computer aidthrough use of the first input device), and signally commands dispensingfrom the dispensing device. Other input devices may also connect withthe computer, such as a spectrophotometer 114, for providing informationfor the formulation selection.

The housing 102 includes a support surface 116 (shown as static, butoptionally may be translatable) upon which a container may rest whiledispensing. Moreover, a vibratory shaker or other suitable mixer 118 canbe mounted to or otherwise associated with the housing 102. Shown inFIG. 9 is an alternative site for a shaker 118′. Other sites arepossible as well.

As shown, there may also be display shelves 120 associated with the pod98. The display shelves may be stocked with a variety of differentprepackaged base materials (e.g., for nail polishes, iridescent,metallic, sheer, opaque, glossy, white, clear, etc.). Thus a user couldhand select base materials, removing them from a shelf and placing it bythe dispenser for dispensing. Further, there may be an advertising ordisplay light box 122. One or more additional work stations may also beemployed, such as a table 124. As desired, the housing 102 may be opaqueor transparent over some or all of its surfaces. For instance, a glasspanel may cover and allow viewing of the dispensing device. A suitabledrawer 126 (e.g., one having a glass face) or other panel may defineadditional storage or provide a location, equipment (e.g., a suitablecapillary action dispenser, pump bottles, or other like dispenser) orboth for performing additional steps in the preparation of theformulation, such as the addition of a fragrance. Further, a suitablestand 128 may support the computer 18′.

It will be appreciated that the functions performed by the above inputand output devices may be divided among multiple devices or integratedinto a single device. Further, functions performed by one device mayalternatively be performed by another of the devices within the scope ofthe present invention. Multiple computers may likewise be employed,either independent of one another or linked for communication between oramong one another. Moreover, the input devices can directly communicatewith the dispensing system or indirectly communicate via an additionalmedium (e.g., computer). Each of the respective components may becontrolled independently, through its own control system, or by way ofone of the computers. It is also possible that the computer of the podmay be substituted or supplemented with a suitable connection to anetwork for accessing a remote computer.

The pod also optionally includes a cash register, packaging station, adisplay station, an application station (which may be adapted forhousing an on-site manicurist), or a combination of the above. Oneintegrated system also incorporates some or all of the modularcomponents recited above and may also afford counter space, seating,mirrors, or other consumer convenience features. The integrated systemsmay be assembled or prefabricated as individual units with suitablewiring for power supply or supply of other utilities such as telephone,cable, internet, satellite communication or the like.

Products offered for sale using the present system may be sold incombination with other nail care products (e.g., files, clippers, polishremovers, top coats, base coats, images, effects or the like),cosmetics, and vanity accessories such as hair equipment or devices,jewelry, temporary or permanent tattoos, decals, stickers, fragrances,shoes, or other articles of clothing (some or all of which may also becustomized in color or effect to match or complement the choice of nailpolish color or effect).

It is also possible that the system of the present invention is employedin combination with other custom cosmetic systems, such as thatdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,112 (Flynn et al.) hereby incorporatedby reference, which addresses a skin foundation customizer using aspectrophotometer to measure skin color and using such data to customformulate a foundation.

Additionally, the system of the present invention can be modified forother applications that require custom formulation fluid dispensing.Thus, the present invention is contemplated to include custom dentalmaterial formulations, custom health and beauty aid products, customfragrances, custom pharmaceutical compounds, custom lubricants, customfoods (e.g., spices, flavors, or the like), custom beverages and otherliquid chemical compositions that are to be used or packaged at thepoint-of-dispensing locations.

The following Example is provided by way of illustration, and withoutintending to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLE

A customer to a retail site encounters a system in accordance with thepresent invention where the point of sale and the point of dispensing isthe same; that is, both events occur proximate, one another at theretail site. The customer places her hand in viewing range of a digitalcamera associated with the system. The camera photographs an image ofthe customer's hand and transfers that image digitally to a computer.The computer scans the image (e.g., pixel by pixel) and identifiespatterns of tones, relative concentrations of tones or contrasts, whichthe computer would compare with a programmed set of values selected toreplicate the characteristic tones of a fingernail. Upon locating theimage of the screen that would correspond with fingernails, the computerwould erase the image of the customer's natural nail, and provide asurrogate shape in its place.

The customer then selects different colors from a pallet of colors(e.g., from a stand-alone display of color chips, a color chart, or fromthe same stored in computer memory). The customer inputs the colorchoice to the computer. The computer searches its database and uponretrieving information about the color outputs the color by filling inthe surrogate nail shapes. The customer can thus view her own hand on avideo display with the color of choice. Of course, the customer willhave the option of bypassing the imaging step, and proceeding straightto the order placement.

A customer will have the option of saving several copies of the image,either side by side or on separate screens, with one or more differentcolors for comparison, or later use.

Once the customer selects a color, the customer enters the selectioninto the computer. The computer retrieves information about the colorfrom a database, and specifically a recipe for the color, identifyingthe relative proportions of tones, shades, or hues of colors or pigmentsthat must be added to achieve the desired color. This information iscommunicated to the dispenser, which then dispenses the correct amountspursuant to the recipe communicated from the database for the colorchoice. The customer also has the option of adding effects such assparkles, metal flakes, fragrance, textures or shapes, as desired, usinga similar input and dispensing system. In this manner, the customer isafforded the opportunity to custom mix and dispense a nail polishon-site at point of sale.

Although the invention has been described with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications canbe effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

1-35. (canceled)
 36. A custom liquid cosmetic dispensing system,comprising: a) a housing comprising: a dispenser including: i. one or aplurality of chambers for holding ingredients having shades, tints, orhues of color or pigments or base compositions connected to thedispenser; ii. a nozzle in fluid communication with each of the one orthe plurality of chambers for holding ingredients; a platform or stagefor holding one or more receptacles; b) a computer for interacting witha user to select a custom cosmetic formulation and communicatinginformation about a selection for use in controlling the dispensingsystem, the computer being in communication with a spectrophotometer,and an input device so that the user can interact with the computer; c)a vibrator or shaker that are located independent of or integrated withthe platform or stage, the vibrator or shaker include a member forholding one of the one or more receptacles that contain ingredients tobe mixed and the vibrator or shaker mix the ingredients so that theingredients have uniform mixing and dispersion; wherein the housing hasa transparent panel that allows viewing of the dispenser; and whereinthe one or more receptacles are fixed in a single location and each ofthe nozzles are aligned with the one or more receptacles so that the oneor the plurality of chambers will dispense different ingredients intothe one or more fixed receptacles.
 37. The system of claim 36, furthercomprising a personal viewing station interfaced with said computer forproviding virtual feedback to a user about how a particular selectionwill look on said user.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein saidpersonal viewing station includes a visual information input device forcapturing an image of said user and transporting information about saidimage to said computer.
 39. The system of claim 37, wherein said customcosmetic dispensing system, said computer and said personal viewingstation are integrated for point of sale dispensing.
 40. The system ofclaim 36, wherein the dispensing system is automated, and the computercontrols the dispenser.
 41. The system of claim 36, wherein saidcomputer controls said custom dispensing system over the internet orfrom a remote location.
 42. The system of claim 36, wherein the customcosmetic formulation is lip gloss, lip color, eye gel, eye color, cheekgel, cheek color, creams, lotions, perfumes, or any combination thereof.43. The system of claim 36, wherein the nozzles each include a tip andthe nozzle tips are all clustered together and converge toward a commondispensing region.
 44. The system of claim 36, wherein the nozzles eachinclude a tip and the tips are axially angled from about 5 degrees toabout 85 degrees from a vertical centerline.
 45. The system of claim 43,wherein the tips of the nozzles are axially angled from about 20 degreesto about 50 degrees from a vertical centerline.
 46. The system of claim36, wherein the nozzles are in fluid communication with the one or theplurality of chambers through supply lines that deliver the fluids fromthe one or more plurality of chambers to each of the nozzles, andwherein a pump drives the fluid from the chamber through the supplylines and out the nozzles into the one or more receptacles.
 47. Thesystem of claim 46, wherein the pump is one pump for each of the supplylines.
 48. The system of claim 36, wherein the computer is located at aremote location from the housing.
 49. The system of claim 36, whereinthe computer stores information about a user's selection and correlatesthe stored information with a unique identifier.
 50. The system of claim49, wherein the unique identifier is a printout that the user carriesaway so that the stored information is preserved for later reference.51. The system of claim 36, wherein the custom cosmetic formulation is askin foundation whereby the spectrophotometer measures skin colorcharacteristics and uses such data to custom formulate the foundation52. A custom cosmetic dispensing system, comprising: a) a housingcomprising: a dispenser including: i. one or a plurality of chambers forholding ingredients having shades, tints, or hues of color or pigmentsor base compositions connected to the dispenser; ii. a nozzle in fluidcommunication with each of the one or the plurality of chambers forholding ingredients, the nozzles each include a tip and the tips are allclustered together and converge toward a common dispensing region; iii.a supply line connecting the one or the plurality of chambers to each ofthe nozzles so that ingredients are dispensed from the nozzles; aplatform or stage for holding one or more receptacles in the commondispensing region, the platform or stage being translatable for linearor rotational motion; b) a computer for interacting with a user andbeing in communication with: a spectrophotometer, and an input device sothat the user can interact with the computer; c) a vibrator or shakerthat is located independent of or integrated with the platform or stage,the vibrator or shaker include a member for holding one of the one ormore receptacles that contain ingredients to be mixed and the vibratoror shaker mix the ingredients so that the ingredients have uniformmixing and dispersion; wherein the housing has a transparent panel thatallows viewing of the dispenser; and wherein the one or more receptaclesare located on the platform or stage so that the one or the plurality ofchambers will dispense different ingredients into the one or more fixedreceptacles.
 53. The system of claim 52, wherein the computer storesinformation about a users selection and correlates the storedinformation with a unique identifier, and the unique identifier is aprintout that the user carries away so that the stored information ispreserved for later reference.
 54. The system of claim 52, wherein thetips of the nozzles are axially angled from about 20 degrees to about 50degrees from a vertical centerline.
 55. The system of claim 52, whereinthe custom cosmetic formulation is lip gloss, lip color eye gel, eyecolor, cheek gel, cheek color, creams, lotions, perfumes, or anycombination thereof.
 56. The system of claim 52, wherein the customcosmetic formulation is a skin foundation whereby the spectrophotometermeasures skin color and uses such data to custom formulate thefoundation.